My knitting challenges

Lots of firsts!

This is a short catchup on my knitting projects. Short because we have been so busy preparing for the arrival of our own yarn. It's incredible how many things we have to think about and sort out. But we're getting there.

Yes, I have definitely set myself some knitting challenges! First time knitting with hand spun wool. First sweater project underway, and soon to cast on my first socks project! And all this as our own wool is about to make an appearance – soon, very soon.

Let’s start with the hand spun wool.

This is part of my ongoing British Sheep blanket. I have completed a square with hand spun Black Welsh Mountain yarn from North Wales. As a complete novice to knitting with hand spun wool it took me a bit of practice to get used to it. The skein was firm to handle, and it had a fabulous sheepy smell. I was using 4.5mm needles and the wool had a fairly loose ply. The square knit up quickly once I’d got accustomed to the handle of the wool. It was quite firm to handle, with a few fine white hairs on the surface. The surprise came in the washing of the square. It was so much softer after washing and blocking. I was quite pleased by that. It’s a little softer than the Balwen square I’d recently knitted. I don’t think the stitch definition is as clear as the Balwen and not as sharp as the much softer Shetland. Nice to touch though and would make a lovely warm outer garment.

Next breed on the blanket list is Bluefaced Leicester – the second breed in our own blend of wool. Exciting!

Insane challenge next……

My first jumper!

I’m nervous. But I surely can’t call myself a knitter if I haven’t tackled a jumper!

So, I’ve chosen the Ramona Pullover pattern, designed by Elizabeth Smith. And I’m using Aran yarn from Iona Wool. In two colours – lichen and silver. The yarn was a Christmas present so I want to make something special with it. And this jumper will be special if it gets finished and fits!! I’m making it longer than the pattern suggests, but it seems an easy enough extension. It’s all the other pullover-type techniques that will provide the challenges. It’s knit top down and so far I’ve got on to the main body section. Yes, I have completed the raglan sections!!! I’m trying to do a bit every day, so we’ll see how it goes.

That's enough knitting for now - I’ll let you know next time how I’m getting on with these projects, and the socks yet to cast on. I am hoping that my next catch up will be all about our new Vintage 20 yarn. In case you think we've made it all up!

Talk soon

Linda